It's the Law: Before Going Out

Who May Operate a Motorboat or PWC

All persons must be at least 14 years of age to operate a motorboat or PWC legally unless under the direct, on-board supervision of a parent, guardian, or other person 16 years of age or older.

• No person may knowingly permit a child under the minimum age to operate a motorboat or PWC unattended.
• Parents and guardians are legally responsible for the underage operator and their actions.

Boater Education Law:

All persons born after January 1, 1984, who operate any vessel on the lakes of the State of Missouri must have on board:

• A boating safety identification card issued by the Missouri State Water Patrol (MSWP) and a photo I.D. or…
• A Missouri driver’s license, or a non-driver’s license with a boating safety endorsement.

The boating safety card is obtained by successfully completing a boating safety course approved by the MSWP.

• Missouri residents must have and present to a licensing office a boating safety identification card when adding the boating endorsement to the driver’s license or non-driver’s license.
• The boating safety identification card requirement also applies to nonresidents.

Persons who possess a U.S. Coast Guard or Power Squadron boating course certificate may apply for a certificate issued by the Water Patrol.